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Tired of the bureaucracy and limitations imposed by those managing her career, a popular musician left her record label in 2012 to pursue independent music. She knew it would be a difficult leap and disappoint countless industry professionals, but believed the risk could be worth it. One of her biggest challenges? Where would she get the $500,000 needed to record an album on her own?

She decided to create a video that told her story and upload it to Kickstarter. Within 30 days, the campaign raised $1.2 million, a record for the platform at that time. Her experience changed the game for independent musicians everywhere. And she did it by simply telling her story.

Do your loved ones know your story? Imagine the impact you could make by sharing how special your loved ones are to you. One of the best ways we’ve found is with a “Legacy Love Letter.”

A Legacy Love Letter is not a legal document, but it can be added to your Estate Plan. It’s a letter you create simply to pass a blessing on to the next generation — in a way that resonates and inspires. It may feel intimidating to write a letter of this nature at first, but it doesn’t need to be. Here are three things to include:

Your beliefs and values. What experiences or people shaped your journey of faith? What do you believe regarding money, service, raising children or marriage? What Christian causes or ministries are you passionate about?

Life lessons. Can you list the defining moments that impacted your life’s trajectory? What were some of your biggest joys and regrets? How did these help develop a Christ-like character in your life?

Words of encouragement. Nothing makes a person’s heart swell quite like hearing “I love you.” What can you say to your loved ones to let them know just how much they mean to you? Can you name any unique character traits or gifts you see at work in their lives? Are there especially meaningful or encouraging Scriptures you want to leave with those you love most?

Up until 2018, the most popular class in Yale’s 316-year history was “Psychology and the Law.” But which class recently eclipsed it? Happiness 101.

According to a recent article from The New York Times, the course entitled Psychology and the Good Life focused on well-being and tried “to teach students how to lead a happier, more satisfying life.” So what did they learn?

Money buys only so much happiness. According toa study by two Nobel Prize winning economists, well-being rises with income until you reach $75,000, then it levels off. There’s no observable increase in happiness with higher income.

Happy people devote time to family and friends. Humans have a deep need for connection and experience joy when that need is met. One study noted in Time Magazine claims that as much as 70 percent of happiness comes from relationships with others.

Physical activity, attending church and expressing gratitude matter. A study by The Journal of Economic Psychology found that experiencing positive and engaging things on a regular basis provide “small but frequent boosts,” which add up to greater mental and spiritual health. This is also why experts encourage people to buy “experiences” instead of things — they last longer.

You feel good when you do good. There’s an old proverb that says “If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap. For a day? Go fishing. For a year? Inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.” Copenhagen’s Happiness Research Institute found that people who volunteer and give, “experience fewer depressive symptoms, less anxiety, and enjoy a more meaningful life.”

What could be more meaningful than combining these ideas by connecting with family through service or giving? Inspiring generosity in the next generation is a great way to connect, and blessing a ministry you care about is a great way to leave a legacy.

We believe ultimate joy comes from knowing and sharing Christ. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps. 16:11.

Humans were created with a deep need to experience identity, mission and belonging. At our best we desire fulfilling, rich lives that leave a positive impact on our world. So, how do we live truly alive? Here are three simple ways:

Invest in experiences, not things. We don’t need more things. In fact, “stuffocation,” is a buzzword dubbed for the way junk and clutter impact our stress levels. Plus, research shows that excitement over a new purchase wanes by the second day — but meaningful memories last a lifetime. (This is also a great way to connect with the younger generation. The Harris Group recently found that 72 percent of Millennials prefer to spend more on experiences than material things.)

Practice gratitude. What if you could record everything you said or thought for one week straight and listen back? Would you be proud of what you heard? Would there be any recurring themes? It’s easy to experience life through a lens of doubt, criticism, or complaining — but we don’t often realize the impact it’s making on our hearts or relationships. Consider practicing “grateful touch” for a week — simply thanking God for a cup of coffee or the softness of your young child or grandchild’s cheek, things you touch on an average day — and see how your perspective changes.

Give. Acts 20:35 echoes the words of Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” and did you know science backs this up? Giving releases oxytocin and endorphins into your body — rewarding the same pleasure centers in the brain as receiving a gift! A recent UnitedHealth Group survey of people who had volunteered within the last year found:

76% felt physically healthier

94% said volunteering improves their mood

78% felt less stressed

Plus, giving of your time or money to an organization has the added benefit of impacting lives. Many people have decided to update their Will to include a gift to a ministry they care about. This is a unique way to feel more alive now — and ensure your legacy will outlive you.

Most everyone is familiar with the Geico gecko. His tiny, green body and astute accent have become synonymous with insurance coverage. But do you remember the mascots who really put Geico on the map? They were hairy Neanderthals who perfectly illustrated how easy it is to get coverage online. “So simple… even a caveman can do it.”

Part of the campaign’s success was how the cavemen helped to simplify the insurance process, making it accessible to anyone. What if there was a way to remove the guesswork from charitable giving? Donor-Advised Funds (or “DAFs”) may be your answer.

DAFs (also sometimes referred to as “giving funds”), date back to the 1930s but are experiencing explosive growth. In fact, they are currently rated the #1 planned giving tool by over 400 charities across the United States. DAFs are growing in popularity for a few reasons:

They’re simple. DAFs let you support multiple charities from one account whenever you feel led to give.

They’re flexible. DAFs give you options and control over how money is disbursed even after your death. You can structure a future gift or include your DAF in your Will.

They’re legacy-building. DAFs provide a great way to teach giving to the next generation. Simply set up a DAF and invite your kids or grandchildren to help recommend charities you want to bless like. DAFs are perfect for giving together.

They’re for everyone. Want to give anonymously? Need the flexibility to give a large or small gift? No matter your circumstance, DAFs are a great choice for charitable giving.

We like to think of financial planning and charitable giving as acts of worship. Shouldn’t the process be simple and enjoyable? Utilizing a DAF takes the guesswork out of giving and feels right in line with Matthew 11:30 where the Lord promises “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

DAFs give you an unbelievably easy way to give back to God for all the ways He’s blessed you throughout your life.

A recent study conducted in the UK found the average adult forgets three key facts,chores or events daily. Among the top most forgotten were:

Letting a hot cup of tea go cold

Where you left your keys

What you meant to buy at the store

Charging a mobile device

Replacing a toilet paper roll

Where you parked your car

The study also revealed 6 percent of adults nationwide have had relationships break up over missing their partner’s birthday and 1 in 10 have gotten into trouble for not remembering the name of a close friend’s child.

While we’re all guilty of forgetting from time to time, there’s a long list of things you would never think of forgetting. For instance, a good parent would never forget to teach their child how to reach 911 in an emergency, or to look both ways before crossing the street. But every day baby boomer parents neglect to pass along equally vital information to their adult children or loved ones — by simply omitting to communicate the most important personal data and plans only they know.

Individuals who anticipate — and prepare for — unanticipated life events exercise a unique form of love for their family, one that says “I’ve already planned well into the future so you’ll be taken care of even when I can’t be the one to do it.” One of the best ways to do this is with an up-to-date Will or Estate Plan. Another is by compiling a special group of documents that outline information like:

Passwords for all existing accounts — financial, social media, etc.

Contact information for their accountant, attorney or broker

Details regarding investments, accounts and insurance policies

Family stories, genealogy or recipes

A list of charities they support

Explanations of the values and beliefs that have shaped their lives

Remembering to care for your loved ones during and after your life is a beautiful gift. So is remembering a ministry or organization in your Will. Don’t let time or good intentions get away from you. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…” Ephesians 5:15-16a

In his opening monologue, a popular late night TV host recently quipped, “They’re considering a new ten cent fee on grocery bags here in New York. My mom was like ‘who’s laughing at the eight-thousand bags under the sink now?’” While humorous, this anecdote pokes fun at the all-too-common trend of excess in the United States — specifically around things we don’t actually need.

From data compiled at becomingminimalist.com, research reveals:

There are 300,000 items in the average American home.

One out of every 10 Americans rent offsite storage — the fastest growing segment of the commercial real estate industry over the past four decades.

The average American throws away 65 pounds of clothing per year.

25 percent of people with two-car garages don’t have room to actually park cars inside them.

Do any of these stats hit a little too close to home? What do you have that could be given away? A little creative “housekeeping” could go a long way toward a more peaceful life. Are you called to “give away” some excess in order to simplify your life and be a blessing to others?

Since being permanently signed into law, the charitable IRA rollover has been a great tax planning strategy for donors “giving away” between $100 and $100,000. When you make a direct transfer from your IRA to a charity, the gift:

Remains outside of your adjusted gross income

Counts toward your required minimum distribution for the year

Serves as an intuitive option for those taking the increased standard deduction

Is tax-free

Will impact lives for generations to come.

Would you consider ‘giving away’ a portion of the retirement assets you no longer need if they could be transformed into changed lives? Give a gift to a ministry you love and that’s exactly what they’ll do!